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2.1historical An early type of bicycle without pedals, propelled by pushing the feet against the ground.

‘The fashion for propelling yourself around town on a hobby was introduced to this country by the London coach-builder Denis Johnson.’

‘This print satirizes the new fad of riding hobbies.’

‘I never will mount a Hobby again!’

Origin

Late Middle English hobyn, hoby, from pet forms of the given name Robin. Originally in hobby (sense 2) (compare with dobbin), it later came to denote a toy horse or hobby horse, hence ‘an activity done for pleasure’.